People are seen walking on in Seville, Spain in the allocated hoursCredit: Getty Images - Getty

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This woman in Granada wasn't taking any chances as she ventured outsideCredit: AFP or licensors

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Runners and cyclists in Puerta de Alcala, Madrid on the first day of the easing of the lockdown restrictionsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

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The country has endured 49 days of confinementCredit: Reuters

Those aged under 70 in Spain wanting to stroll have also been told to stick to the same timetables as runners, but they must stay within a kilometre of their homes and walk for an hour maximum.

This morning, thousands of cyclists had taken to a five-mile footpath in Barcelona known as the La Carretera de les Aigues - Road of the Waters - making it difficult to maintain social distancing guidelines.

Runners in capital Madrid, most without face masks, also got close to each other as they used the same pavements to exercise.

RUNNERS AND RIDERS

Those doing sport can move within their municipality for as long as they want within their allocated time-slot.

Beaches in Tarifa were opened to water sports enthusiasts including windsurfers and kite-surfers, although swimming will remain off limits until at least June 8 when some areas hope to move towards the last phase of a national de-escalation plan.

Joggers in the Costa del Sol resort of Marbella were encouraged to use a series of routes recommended by a local athlete and promoted by the town hall on social media.

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Surfers enjoy the water in BarcelonaCredit: EPA

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Thousands of people took advantage of the new time slot system in the Catalan capitalCredit: AP:Associated Press

In Barcelona, 70 parks have been re-opened and more than 40 streets closed to traffic to facilitate social distancing.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez urged people to be “responsible” in an early morning tweet.

He said: “Today we take a new step with the measures easing confinement but we must do it with common sense and responsibility.

“The virus is still out there.”

Brit expat John Stephens, out for a morning walk in Marbella, said: “I had intended heading to the seafront but when I got there it was pretty packed.

“People were trying to keep as far apart from each other as possible but the problem was the sheer numbers. It was madness to be honest.

“I’m hoping it was just a case of people being desperate to get out and do sport after so long cooped up inside, and the novelty will wear off for many later in the week.”

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